A road trip is a great way to see the UK as a relatively small place, but the costs of a road trip can quickly add up when you factor in fuel, accommodation, food, and other costs. With this in mind, this post will offer a few tips for planning a UK road trip on a budget. Interested? Keep reading to find out more.
Choose the Right Vehicle for Your Trip
First, you need to consider what vehicle you will drive. Renting a car can be a good option, but it is also worth looking into buying a used car from a local dealership, whether you are based in big cities or smaller areas like Norwich, where you can find reliable used car dealers. Be sure to consider the condition and fuel efficiency, particularly as the cost of fuel has been rising in recent times due to various economic factors.
Saving On Accommodation & Meals
Accommodation and meals can be huge costs if you are not careful, but there are always ways to make savings. Budget accommodation options like hostels, campsites, and affordable B&Bs can help you make savings, particularly in rural areas. Self-catering is one of the best ways to keep your food costs down, and you can use local food markets as an affordable alternative to restaurants. You should also keep your eyes peeled for discounts, which can be found with loyalty schemes and booking apps.
Free & Low-Cost Attractions
There are also many ways to save on attractions. National parks, museums, and heritage sites are often free or low-cost, while many walking tours in cities like London and Edinburgh are often donation-based. You can also sign up for a National Trust membership or other discount cards to make savings on popular destinations.
Planning Your Route & Fuel Efficiency
You should also plan your route carefully to maximise fuel efficiency and avoid extra charges, such as the ULEZ Zones in London and toll charges. You can find the most efficient routes and avoid extra charges with apps like Google Maps and Waze. There are also fuel-saving driving techniques, including maintaining steady speeds and making sure tyres are properly inflated.
The advice in this post should help you keep your road trip costs down while still planning a fun, comfortable, and rewarding UK road trip. The UK is a great place to explore by road, but you must also be cautious as the costs can quickly add up.
Photo credit: lake district
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